10 surprising minimum-wage jobs
November 16, 2009 · Tagged with Career and Work
8. Nanny
Bottom 10% earn: $7.51 per hour
U.S. median salary: $10.31 per hour
Job description: Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and child-care institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Most people agree that you can’t put a price tag on a parent’s work because it takes full focus and energy to do well. So why is it that nannies often earn so little for taking care of those same children? From getting kids up, dressed and fed in the morning to making sure they arrive on time to piano lessons and soccer practice, nannies often exhibit the exceptional patience and resourcefulness needed to keep a family running.
9. Automobile Mechanic
Bottom 10% earn: $7.78 per hour
U.S. median salary: $10.95 per hour
Job description: Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
When you take your car in to be repaired, you expect the mechanic — whether brand new or a seasoned pro — to quickly identify the problem and get your car back on the road again. It’s complicated work that requires a great deal of knowledge, skill, and attention to detail. In time, most mechanics earn more for their toil.
10. Tax Preparer
Bottom 10% earn: $7.16 per hour
U.S. median salary: $9.15 per hour
Job description: Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses without the background or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant.
What you do or do not tell Uncle Sam during tax season is very important for your bank account and your peace of mind. Maybe you do your own taxes, but many people trust their tax returns to someone else. A tax preparer enters all of your data into your forms before an accountant double-checks their work. It’s an important job that needs to be done right.
NOTE: While pay rates vary from state to state, the jobs listed generally pay at or near minimum wage. Included, as well, is a job description from PayScale.com that lists job duties and the national median hourly rate a person makes in their first year on the job, according to PayScale.com. Some people earn less than this rate.